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Overview
Mouse, a timid orphan growing up in medieval England, has little happiness in the world. But then, when she comes across a puppeteer so talented that he can make the puppets talk and dance as if they were little humans, Mouse realizes that true happiness is within reach — and the key is learning how to make the puppets dance! What she doesn't realize, however, is just how much she and her prospective mentor have in common—and how much, one day, they will share.
A medieval orphan girl called Mouse gains the courage she needs to follow her dreams of becoming a puppeteer's apprentice.
Synopsis
Mouse, a timid orphan growing up in medieval England, has little happiness in the world. But then, when she comes across a puppeteer so talented that he can make the puppets talk and dance as if they were little humans, Mouse realizes that true happiness is within reach — and the key is learning how to make the puppets dance! What she doesn't realize, however, is just how much she and her prospective mentor have in common?and how much, one day, they will share.
Publishers Weekly
In early 18th-century England, a runaway convinces a puppeteer to take her on as an apprentice. "This colorful novel is likely to interest fans of Karen Cushman's The Midwife's Apprentice, to which it often seems indebted," said PW. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
In early 18th-century England, a runaway convinces a puppeteer to take her on as an apprentice. "This colorful novel is likely to interest fans of Karen Cushman's The Midwife's Apprentice, to which it often seems indebted," said PW. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
Mouse is a young girl working in the scullery of a manor house in Medieval England who gets fed up with constantly being punished for her incompetence and her curiosity. When Mouse takes another serious beating, she runs away from the manor thinking that any life would be better than this one. On the road she encounters a puppet show and decides that becoming a puppeteer is the only thing she wants in the world. The puppeteer eventually agrees to apprentice her, but the arrangement is not always smooth sailing. When the puppeteer is attacked by rogues, Mouse realizes that there is more to the puppeteer's story then she is letting on. This story is reminiscent of "The Midwife's Apprentice" in both setting and the growth of the character. Even given the similarities, this book stands on its own for the 7-10 reader. The characterization is strong and Mouse's coming of age is well told and has some nice mysterious elements. I read it a few weeks back and Mouse's character has stayed with me. 2003, Simon & Schuster,— Joan Kindig